Paul Merson predicts Nottingham Forest v West Ham United score as relegation verdict shared
Paul Merson has predicted Nottingham Forest will beat West Ham United this weekend and all but condemn any thoughts of relegation this season.
Julen Lopetegui will hope his Hammers side can capitalise on the momentum-boosting 2-1 win against Manchester United last time out, as a 92nd-minute Jarrod Bowen penalty secured the three points at the London Stadium.
However, while West Ham linger five points adrift of their upcoming opponents, Merson predicted to Sportskeeda [31 October] that seventh-placed Nottingham Forest will pick up a 2-1 win.
He said: “Nottingham Forest are flying at the moment, but they’re a much better team away from home. You’ve got to play West Ham at the right time if you need to win.
“They clicked the other day against Manchester United. You could say they were lucky, but they deserved to win in the end.
“If Forest win this game, they could move a lot closer to safety. They’re already on 16 points and with how things have gone this season, 30 points might just be enough to ensure they stay in the division.
“I have a feeling West Ham are still not firing on all cylinders at the moment and that’s why I’m backing Forest to win this game.”
Julen Lopetegui needs his West Ham forwards to click
While the masses squabble over whether Bowen’s penalty should have been awarded against Manchester United, the decision could be a sign Lopetegui’s luck is turning in East London after what can only be described as a terrible start to his tenure.
The Hammers have eased the threat of relegation despite concerns earlier this season, and are sitting in 13th place, comfortably mid-table after nine matches.
However, one massive flaw for the side is the players who flourished under David Moyes are failing to reach similar heights under his predecessor.
Bowen may have saved the Irons on the weekend but as Lopetegui suggested, the 27-year-old must wear the burden of the captain’s armband and lead by example.
West Ham will need their captain now more than ever with Mohammed Kudus serving his three-match suspension for his red card in the 4-1 loss against Tottenham, and the less said of Lucas Paqueta this season the better.
Crysencio Summerville has put his name forward to become a regular starter under Lopetegui after scoring the opening goal against Manchester United. The Dutchman should be trusted to start against Nottingham Forest and aim to build some form ahead of the November international break.
Nuno Espirito Santo has his side playing out of their skin this season and will provide a tough test for West Ham. Regardless, Lopetegui needs to start picking up consistent points in the Premier League.
In other West Ham news, here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Irons’ clash against Nottingham Forest.
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